MANILA, Philippines — December 14, 2025 — Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima said on Saturday that detained individual Ramil Madriaga has claimed to possess evidence supporting his sworn allegations linking Vice President Sara Duterte to illegal campaign funding during the 2022 national elections.
De Lima said she met Madriaga at his detention facility on December 8, several days before his affidavit became public. In the sworn statement, Madriaga alleged that the vice president benefited from campaign funds allegedly sourced from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and proceeds from illegal drugs.
According to De Lima, she directly asked Madriaga whether he could substantiate the claims outlined in his affidavit, including alleged instructions and deliveries he said he carried out during the campaign period.
De Lima quoted Madriaga as saying he has evidence to support his assertions that he received calls and directives from several individuals, including high-ranking officials, related to campaign activities.
The lawmaker also revealed that she received a handwritten letter dated November 17 from Madriaga through his lawyer, Attorney Raymund Palad, in which he sought assistance regarding his legal situation. De Lima said Madriaga claimed in the letter that he was being pressured because of accusations he had previously made against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
De Lima called on the Office of the Ombudsman to review Madriaga’s sworn statements to determine whether they warrant a formal investigation. She also urged authorities to ensure Madriaga’s safety while in detention, citing the heightened public attention surrounding the affidavit.